Tag: Inyo County

Inyo County, nestled in the eastern Sierra Nevada region of California, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rugged landscapes. It spans a diverse terrain, from the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the expansive Owens Valley and the starkly beautiful desert landscapes of the Mojave Desert. Home to iconic landmarks like Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, and Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in North America, Inyo County offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, rock climbing, and exploring ancient bristlecone pine forests. The county seat, Independence, reflects its rich history tied to the California Gold Rush and the pioneering spirit of the American West.  The area remains a haven for those seeking solitude and adventure amidst its breathtaking natural wonders.

Eureka Dunes Dry Camp

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Eureka Dunes Campground is near a small localize sand dunes formation with Death Valley National Monument. Eureka Dunes Dry Camp is located next to the Eureka Sand Dunes in the Eureka Valley.

The valley is is an enclosed basin locationed at about 3000 feet above sea leval. The sand dunes in this remote valley in the north western portion of Death Valley are the tallest dunes in California. Some of the dunes measured are almost 700 feet tall above the valley floor. The dunes themselves are contained in a relatively small 3 square miles.

At first glance, these islands of sand within Eureka Valley appear inhospitable to life. This however is not the case. These dunes receive the most rainfall of any within Death Valley due to their location within the park.

Due to the extreme isolation there are five known types of endemic beetles which make their home in the sand. Three plant species, Eureka Dunegrass ( Swallenia alexandrae ), Eureka Dunes Evening Primrose ( Oenothera avita eurekensis ) and Shining Milkvetch ( Astragalus lentiginosus micans ) and known to only exist in this three mile by one mile island of sand.

With roughly four sites and only a vaulted toilet, Eureka Dunes campground offers solitude for the back country traveler.

Campground Summary

Campground NameEureka Dunes Dry Camp
LocationDeath Valley National Park, California
Latitude, Longitude37.111773, -117.680898
Elevation2890
Number of Sites4
AmenitiesRestrooms, tables

Eureka Dunes Campground Map

References

Thorndike Campground

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Thorndike campground is located at 7,400 feet in the Panamint Mountains in Death Valley National Park. The campground is accessible to high clearance vehicles only and no longer than 25 feet in length.. Depending on road conditions, 4-wheel drive may be necessary the reach the campground. The road becomes much steeper and rough once you pass the Wildrose Campground.

Thorndike Campground in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park

The campground is located within a Pinyon Pine and Juniper Forest. The campground is 1000 feet lower in elevation that Mahogany Flat campground and 4000 feet higher than Wildrose Campground. Due to its high elevation, this campground does close in the winter months.

This is the closest campground to the Death Valley Charcoal kilns. Thorndike has 6 sites, tables, fireplaces, and pit toilets. Thorndike is free of change campground, however, it does operate on a first come first serve basis.

Fires are allowed at NPS fire pits only. No firewood collecting is permitted; bring your own wood. Fires are prohibited June 15-September 15 and periods of high fire danger.

Campground Summary

NameThorndike Campground
LocationPanamint Mountains, Death Valley National Park, California
Latitude, Longitude36.236893, -117.071446
Elevation7400 feet
Site6
AmenitiesTables, Fireplaces, and vault toilets.

Thorndike Campground Map

References

Goler Wash and Mengel Pass

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Goler Wash and Mengel Pass over a route into Butte Valley from Panamint Valley. Although not technically in Death Valley, this trail is consider part of the area. Trail conditions vary from easy to difficult depending upon recent rainfall, with one section near Mengel pass being difficult.

The route twists and turns through a narrow valley, until it opens a bit into Goler wash itself. There is a short side trip to Baker Ranch and Meyer Ranch which was the one time, although short lived home of Charles Manson and his family prior to their arrest by Inyo County Sheriffs Department in October of 1969. Manson and others were responsible for the famous Tate – La Bianca murders in Los Angeles, California. Mason and his family drove a school bus up to Barker Ranch. The ranch was used as a mining and recreational property before Manson.

Barker Ranch - The building complex was heavily vegetated with trees, with a sparsely planted understory. Note the Manson bus in the left hand side of the image. View northwest, 1969 (DEVA collection). - NPS
Barker Ranch – The building complex was heavily vegetated with trees, with a sparsely planted understory. Note the Manson bus in the left hand side of the image. View northwest, 1969 (DEVA collection). – NPS

Barker Ranch

Barker Ranch is originally built in the 1930s by Bluth and Helen Thomason who were attempting mining operations at the site. They built a small stone building in the 1940’s and a windmill generated electricity. In 1955 the property was purchased by Jim and Arlene Barker. The Barkers expanded the original stone build for Barker family gatherings. In 1969, over the period of two days Charles Manson and his “family” are pursed and arrested. The arresting officer was CHP Officer Jim Jim Pursell.

In 2009, Barker Ranch is destroyed by a fire which tore though the dry wood of the buildings.

Asa Russell "Panamint Russ" in front of the Geologist cabin - Courtesy of Desert Magazine April 1955
Asa Russell “Panamint Russ” in front of the Geologist cabin – Courtesy of Desert Magazine April 1955

Follow the trail up to Megel pass, which offers the explorer access to Butte Valley, Megel’s Cabin, the Geologists Cabin and Russell’s camp.

Futher Reading

Goler Wash and Mengel Pass

Homestake Dry Camp

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Homestake Dry Camp - A primative campsite at Racetrack Valley
Homestake Dry Camp – A primative campsite at Racetrack Valley

The Homestake Dry camp is a primitive campground located in Racetrack valley inside Death Valley National Park.  It contains four very large and reasonably flat campsites which could accommodate multiple vehicles for larger groups.

The mine site as no amenities beyond a single chemical toilet at the North end of the location and a few wide spots in the road denote the camp sites. The toilet is in reasonable condition, but it does have some rodent damage and the odd spider web.  

There are fire rings, but no fires or wood gather is not allowed. There is no trash bins, no water, no tables.

The setting sun and mountains offer some great view and shadows.
The setting sun and mountains offer some great view and shadows.

Homestake Dry Camp is however the only camping near the Racetrack playa and is arguably some of the most remote camping in the national park.  The campground was very clean during out last visit and the night sky on a moonless night was second to none.

This is certainly well worth a stop over if you are so inclined and the campground offers a great point to explore the Lippincott Mine Road, the Lippincott Mine, Ubehebe Lead mine and of coarse the racetrack.

The Homestake primitive campground offers from amazing dark skies.
The Homestake primitive campground offers from amazing dark skies.

On our trip, we were offered the best of remote primitive camping. While we stayed dry, the night boomed with thunder from Saline Valley. The moonless night sky gave us an opportunity to see the Milky Way. There was a constant breeze which did not offer us a sound sleep, however, we will return which is the best endorsement one can provide.

Directions

The campground is located at the southern end of the Race Track Valley Road.

Campground Summary

Camp Ground NameHomestake Dry Camp
Latitude, Longitude36.6372892,-117.5745213
Sites4
Elevation3780
AmenitiesNo Water, No Fires, No tables

Homestake Dry Camp Trail Map

Mesquite Springs Campground

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Mesquite Springs Campground located near Scotty's Castle in Death Valley
Mesquite Springs Campground located near Scotty’s Castle in Death Valley

Mesquite Springs is a campground in Death Valley National Park, Located just a few short miles from Scottys castle. Mesquite springs offers a nice refuge for the traveler. Not far from the main north – south highway running the length of Death valley.

Airing up the tires from our trip to the Racetrack

The campground is typically open all year round and cooler than Furnace Creek. There is a small fee to stay here, but well worth it to stay in this little oasis. There may be a campground host, but you should not count on this for your planning with regards to firewood. There is little undergrowth, so you do feel a little exposed to your neighbor.

Typically a quiet little outpost used by campers who want access to the northern section of the national park. Mesquite Springs offers a great launching point for the northern dunes, racetrack valley, Ubehebe Crater and parts beyond.

A typical campsite at Mesquite Springs, Death Valley National Park
A typical campsite at Mesquite Springs, Death Valley National Park

This is a great place to enjoy your beer and smores in the evenings while the Kangaroo Rats play around your feet. The remote area and dark skies allow for great star viewing.

Never let anyone tell you it does not rain in Death Valley.
Never let anyone tell you it does not rain in Death Valley.
Campground NameMesquite Springs Campground
Latitude, Longitude36.96303, -117.36840
AddressP.O. Box 579
Death Valley, CA
92328
Number of Sites40
Elevation1800
ReservationsNo
AmenitiesFlush Toilets, Fire Rings, Tables
Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/mesquite-spring-campground.htm

Mesquite Springs Campground Map